The New Book Review

Saturday, January 9, 2016

Marie Lavender's Writing in the Modern Age: Service Interview with Lois W. Stern

Marie Lavender's Writing in the Modern Age: Service Interview with Lois W. Stern: Today we're doing a different type of interview, and it should be enlightening to both writers and readers following the blog. My g...

----- The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Interview: RH Lewis Helps Kids with Writing After Career in Teaching, Coaching

Hi! I am Carolyn Howard Johnson, your trusty New Book Review blogger and author of the multi award-winning HowTo Do It Frugally Series of books for writers. This blog has heretofore been exclusive for reviews but I thought I’d do a special series of interviews after I chatted with Jeanie Loiacono, President of Loiacono Literary Agency – Where ‘can’t’ is not in our vocabulary! I thought sharing the interviews would help the many subscribers and visitors to this New Book Review blog, including authors, reviewers, and, of course, readers who just might find a new favorite author among the featured books and authors.

So, today welcome RH Lewis.

RH Lewis, was born in a small New Jersey town. Married with two grown daughters and four grandchildren, he now resides in Florida. His life has always been dedicated to enriching lives. As a Youth pastor, teacher and coach it has always been his belief that within each person are planted the seeds of greatness and that it is his job to cultivate those seeds. Recently retired, for twenty-one years he coached winning Mathcounts teams. In all, his teams have won over 1000 awards. Mr. Lewis has been recognized as teacher of the year, Math coach of the year, Mathcounts coach of the year, and Prism teacher of the year. As a writer, he loves weaving tales of mystery, suspense, and adventure with real life. When Mr. Lewis isn’t writing or teaching he enjoys cartooning, oil painting, sculpturing and playing with his grandchildren.

Lewis’ stories give credit to the intelligence of young people and the important role education plays in life. He is the author of Secrets of Bayboro Mansion, The Shroud, Wormhole and Run For Your Life, which is based on his own life experience.

What is your genre? Is it fiction or nonfiction? YA fiction
What made you want to be a writer? The youth of America are thirsty for inspiration and motivation. As a pastor and teacher, writing allows me to weave uplifting messages into adventures and mysteries. Quenching that thirst is my ministry.
Of all the authors out there, who inspired you most? Frank E. Peretti
What is your writing style? Do you outline? Linearly? By scene? Why? I see the entire story playing out in my mind before the first word is typed. However, like Steven King, I let my characters help write the story. Outlines are usually abandoned by the second chapter and linear bends by the third.
Do you write every day? How much? How long? I try to write four to five hours every day. Some days it turns into zero hours and some days when the story is in control it turns into twenty-four. I never count the pages only the time spent with my characters.
Do you think reading is as important to writing for an author? Why? Reading what your audience is reading is crucial to creating a voice that speaks to their hearts and minds.
What are some of the things you would like to share with budding authors? Forget about writing a perfect manuscript instead concentrate on speaking to your readers in the language they speak.
Do you have any marketing and promotional advice, referrals, tips you would like to share? Find out where your audience gathers and be there.
Do you think conferences are beneficial? If so, what have you learned? Which ones do you frequent? I'm new to this so I can't give a big thumbs up or down until I've been to a few.
Where can we find you, your books and when is your next event? My books can be found online @ Amazon and Barnes & Noble. My next event is Southwest Middle School December 4 2015, Bayside High School January 27, and Discovery Elementary School January 28. Brevard Schools Foundation (Date not yet set). www.rhlewisbooks.weebly.com

RH Lewis, weaves tales of mystery, suspense and adventure with real life. Once you enter his books, you never leave the same. Facebook LinkedIn Represented by Loiacono Literary Agency, Jeanie Loiacono http://www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com/authors/rh-lewis/

R.H. Lewis weaving life-changing Power into adventures, mysteries, and thrillers.

MORE ABOUT THE SPONSORING AGENTS

Jeanie Loiacono, President, Loiacono Literary Agency

A facilitator of dreams, Jeanie Loiacono represents over eighty authors. Her forte is mystery, romance, thrillers, historical/military/southern fiction, and all quality fiction/nonfiction. Her passion is to see her authors succeed.
“There is nothing more rewarding than to hold one of my author’s books and know I helped bring it to fruition. I am so blessed and privileged to be able to work with some of the most talented writers in the world.” Jeanie.L@llallc.net www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com

MORE ABOUT THE SPONSORING AGENTS

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE INTERVIEWS--TO FIND GREAT READING OR TO NETWORK WITH AUTHORS--PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG. YOU ARE A WELCOME ADDITION TO THIS FAMILY WHO LOVES BOOKS! YOU'LL FIND A WINDOW TO DO THIS AT THE TOP OF THIS BLOG PAGE.

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Thursday, January 7, 2016

Review: Miscommunication Across Cultures

Title: Perception and Deception
Subtitle: A Mind-Opening Journey Across Cultures
Web site: WWW.PerceptionAndDeception.com
Genre: Nonfiction: Communication Across Cultures, Intercultural
Competence, International Issues, Travel, Immigration Challenges;
Business , Diplomacy and Language Conundrums Across Cultures.
ISBN13: 978-1512113266 and ISBN-10: 1512113263

Reviewed by David Lennon, International Vice President of the
Association of European Journalists and former Managing Editor and
Foreign Correspondent for the Financial Times.

Don't Leave home without it! No, not your credit card, I mean Joe
Lurie's master class of miscommunication across cultures, PERCEPTION AND
DECEPTION, A MIND-OPENING JOURNEY ACROSS CULTURES.

This is a priceless book for anyone who travels and wants to
navigate the minefields of misunderstandings that arise because of
cultural differences. A lifetime of practical experience, a compendium
of cultural challenges, and a wicked wit combine to make this book an
indispensable volume for all those planning to step beyond their
cultural village. Oh, how I wish this book had been available when I
began my international career-how many fewer people I would have
inadvertently offended."

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Interview: Daniel Lorti Borrows from Background in Arms for Historical Fiction

So, today welcome Daniel Lorti.

A writer of factual fiction, Daniel Lorti has written several works, The Avignon Legacy is his second novel. He is currently working on his third, a romantic thriller.

Lorti has a B.S.E. (summa cum laude) and an M.S.E from Arizona State University. An aerospace engineer with a military sensors, weapons, and intelligence background, he was Chief Radar Engineer for the Northrop Grumman Corporation for many years. In 1995, he was appointed to President Clinton’s twenty-member conference committee for Trade and Investment in Northern Ireland. As an international arms broker he conducted business in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. In 2003, he and his partners sold a highly classified aerospace company to Northrop Grumman. He currently resides in Southern California.

What is your genre? My novel, The Avignon Legacy is a historical fiction.
What made you want to be a writer? I started by writing two movie scripts, after seeing a particularly terrible movie (can’t remember the title). While attending Screenwriter’s Conference and National Film Institute offerings in Los Angeles, I learned producers generally rely on their own screenwriters. I decided to write a novel, hoping to enter the back door that way.
Of all the authors out there, who inspired you most? I enjoy action-adventure fiction. I pay special attention to the author’s style. I’ve feasted on Lee Child, Clive Cussler, Tom Clancy, John Sandford, Stuart Woods, Robert B. Parker, Dan Brown and Daniel Silva, to name a few.
What is your writing style? Do you outline? Linearly, By scene? Why? It’s probably a mixture of John Sandford and Robert B. Parker. I do outline and also rely on a characters list and chapter, section and subsection summaries, as I go along. My outlines are linear, mostly chronological which includes scenes and notes. I found them very helpful with multi-plots, and their integration in the body of the novel is simplified.
Do you write every day? How much? How long? I do try to write every day. The time varies, but no more than three hours at a sitting.
Do you think reading is important to writing for an author? Why? Reading is important to me for several reasons: first, it puts me in a mood; second, I get ideas or identify a variance, which would work in my writing; and third, it adds to my written vocabulary.
What are some of the things you would like to share with budding authors? Don’t get discouraged and start small. Experiment. Try writing a short synopsis of your concept and then view it from the standpoint of the oft-cited three acts. I started with movie scripts, wrote three novels, penned a two-man play, and even entered a national poetry contest with an original twenty-one-line poem.
Do you have any marketing and promotional advice, referrals, tips you would like to share? I wish. Thank goodness for my agent who sends a steady flow of material on the subject to me. As soon as my book is distributed, I’ll hit the dusty trail.
Do you think conferences are beneficial? If so, what have you learned? Which ones do you frequent? Conferences and classes are useful when you’re starting out. Find out what the others learned and see if it strikes a chord. After I had written my first novel, I found a terrific novel consultant who critiqued it thoroughly. I grew a thick skin. However, there are excellent publications, Writer’s Digest for one.
Where can we find you, your books, and when is your next event? I reside in Newport Beach, California, working on my fourth novel. I have a great and I’m looking forward to all promotional events. I do have a web site, www.danielclorti.com . Represented by Loiacono Literary Agency, Jeanie Loiacono http://www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com/authors/daniel-c-lorti/

MORE ABOUT THE SPONSORING AGENT

Jeanie Loiacono, President, Loiacono Literary Agency

A facilitator of dreams, Jeanie Loiacono represents over eighty authors. Her forte is mystery, romance, thrillers, historical/military/southern fiction, and all quality fiction/nonfiction. Her passion is to see her authors succeed.

“There is nothing more rewarding than to hold one of my author’s books and know I helped bring it to fruition. I am so blessed and privileged to be able to work with some of the most talented writers in the world.” Jeanie.L@llallc.net www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Interview: Multi Award-Winning Buzz Bernard

So, today welcome H. W. “BUZZ” BERNARD.

Bernard is writing from vast experience. He has a B. S. in Atmospheric Science, University of Washington, was a Weather Officer in the United States Air Force Reserve 1963-1996 (two tours in Vietnam 1965-1966), Meritorious Service Medal 1993, flew with Hurricane Hunters 1995, received the Legion of Merit 1996, and worked as a meteorologist and defense contractor 1968-1996. Bernard’s other published works include: Weather Watch (1979, Walker and Company), The Greenhouse Effect (1980, Ballinger Publishing Company/Harper Colophon Books), The Travelers Almanac–North America (1987, The Riverdale Company), The Travelers Almanac II–Europe (1991, The Riverdale Company) and Global Warming Unchecked (1993, Indiana University Press). He has written four thrillers for BelleBooks: EYEWALL, PLAGUE, SUPERCELL and BLIZZARD, and has another in the works, CASCADIA.

He has also won numerous awards for both nonfiction and fiction from the Southeastern Writers Association (SWA) and the Atlanta Writers Club (AWC).

In 2005, a short story, “Oregon Grinder,” was granted an honorable mention in the Lorian Hemingway Competition.

What is your genre? Fiction.

What made you want to be a writer? I’ve always enjoyed writing; always knew I had a talent for it, although I did have to spend a lot of time learning the craft of writing fiction.

Of all the authors out there, who inspired you most? James Lee Burke, whom I think is the best fiction writer in the business. There’s another author by the name of Brian Jay Corrigan (The Poet of Loch Ness) who’s a professor and writing instructor, and who not only personally urged me to keep writing, but also taught me more about the craft of creating fiction than any one person I’ve ever met.

What is your writing style? Do you outline? Linearly, By scene? Why? I have a rather

cinematic view in mind as I write. I try to embed my readers in a setting, creating characters in

conflict…with each other or with themselves. I like drama and tension, and try to end each

chapter with a hook, Wow, what’s going to happen next?

I outline, but only broadly, perhaps a couple of pages-worth of notes. I create, if you will, a

roadmap or strategic plan, knowing I want to get from Point A to Point B to Point C, etc. Only I

don’t know how I’m going to do it. That doesn’t occur until I sit down to write. The outline, by

the way, is a “living” document; I make changes to it as I proceed through the manuscript.

I tried to write a novel once without an outline. I got totally lost, gave up on the manuscript after

about 100 pages, and never again tried writing without an outline.

Do you write every day? How much? How long? I write when I can. I’d like to do about six hours a day (any more than that, and my efficiency nose-dives), but often can’t.

Do you think reading is important to writing for an author? Why? I love to read; always have. I don’t have as much time to do it now that I’m an author, but I still think it’s important to see how the really top-flight writers go about their business. As a writer, I’m constantly learning, and reading is one of the mechanisms to do that.

What are some of the things you would like to share with budding authors? Writing, for most up-and-coming authors, is hard work. Not impossible, just hard. You’ve got to keep at it. Day after day. Butt in chair, fingers on keyboard. Also, I would suggest you participate in a critique group, or have writing partner. Attend seminars, classes, and conferences. There is no magic formula or secret to success, you’ve just got to keep learning and pounding out the words.

Do you have any marketing and promotional advice, referrals, tips you would like to share? For non-big-name authors, like myself, promotions on Amazon (the 800-pound gorilla in the retail business) are what seem to jump start my book sales.

Do you think conferences are beneficial? If so, what have you learned? Which ones do you frequent? Conferences are extremely beneficial, not only for the instruction available, but for the networking opportunities. The contacts I’ve made at conferences were key and critical in my success as a novelist. I attend the Southeastern Writers Association Workshop every year. The people I met there were instrumental in getting me published. I feel so strongly about that that I joined the Board of Directors and am currently the association’s vice president. Here’s my pitch for the conference: it’s a relatively intimate (limited to about seventy-five attendees), boutiquey workshop held in a subtropical paradise called St. Simons Island on the Georgia coast every June. You really ought to check it out.

Where can we find you, your books, and when is your next event? My books are available through all the standard commercial outlets. My next big event will be Murder in the Magic City (Birmingham, February 6th) Murder on the Menu (Wetumpka, February 7th) in Alabama. The contract for my fifth novel, Cascadia, is pending. www.buzzbernard.com Represented by Loiacono Literary Agency, Jeanie Loiacono http://www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com/authors/buzz-bernard/ Bernard Schedule of Events Facebook Vice President, Southeastern Writers Association member, International Thriller Writers member, Atlanta Writers Club member, Willamette Writers

MORE ABOUT THE SPONSORING AGENT

Jeanie Loiacono, President, Loiacono Literary Agency

A facilitator of dreams, Jeanie Loiacono represents over eighty authors. Her forte is mystery, romance, thrillers, historical/military/southern fiction, and all quality fiction/nonfiction. Her passion is to see her authors succeed.

“There is nothing more rewarding than to hold one of my author’s books and know I helped bring it to fruition. I am so blessed and privileged to be able to work with some of the most talented writers in the world.” Jeanie.L@llallc.net www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com

Sunday, January 3, 2016

Interview: Viacom Marketing Exec Turns Author

So, today welcome Jeanne Charters.

After years of working in radio sales and raising four daughters, Charters became VP of marketing for Viacom TV, then branched-off and opened her own advertising agency, Charters Marketing, with her husband, Matt. “He’s the business brain, I’m the creative one.”

The writing bug had bitten a long time ago, but its effects stayed hidden until it was time.

“People sometimes wonder where a character comes from. ‘When did you think up Mary Boland anyway?’ I don’t know about all authors, but for me, Mary Boland was a magical name I heard through my childhood from my mother and aunts. She was my great-great-grandmother. There were no pictures of her and no records of her accomplishments, but she came to me in dreams…a young girl with curly red hair, riding her horse along the Irish seacoast.

“Tell my story,” she whispered.

In her first iteration, she was the start of a novel called Daughters of Ireland, Mary was the first in four generations of women. Writing class instructors and published authors alike told me, “Each of these women deserves her own book.” They were right. So, I started over and told Mary’s story in Shanty Gold. The next woman’s story is half written and will be called Lace Curtain.”

Publishing Credits and Awards

WNC Woman magazine and website. Jeanne Charters’ columns under the title, “funny, isn’t it?” have appeared in most issues for the past twelve years.
Clothes Lines: A compilation of women’s writings from across the state and country. Jeanne Charters was honored to be included by Editors Celia H. Miles and Nancy Dillingham.
Funny, isn’t it? Charters’ book of some of her best columns, illustrated by noted North Carolina artist, Marie Hudson, of Asheville, NC.
Broadcasting: Adopt an Angel for Make-A-Wish…This campaign ran in markets from New York City to Hawaii for seventeen years. Ms. Charters was the sole writer, producer, and director of all television and radio commercials and PSA’s relative to it. Over three million dollars was raised to benefit children with life-threatening illnesses.
Awards: Adopt an Angel for Make-A-Wish...Telly, two consecutive years and the Gold Medal from the New York State Broadcasters Association for Best Public Service Campaign in the state of New York.

1. What is your genre? Is it fiction or nonfiction? My novel, Shanty Gold, is historical fiction. It was actually written as YA, but my agent thought it shouldn't be limited to young adults. I think she's right.

2. What made you want to be a writer? From early childhood, I have always wanted to write novels. Instead, I wrote poetry and essays because when I grew up, I married, had four kids, split, and needed to support my children as a single mom. As you probably know, it's tough to make a living with a first novel.

3. Of all the authors out there, who inspired you most? Wow, this is a tough question. If I have to pick one, I suppose it's Maeve Binchey because she is a consummate Irish novelist, and my novels are set in Ireland and Boston.

4. What is your writing style? Do you outline? Linearly? By scene? Why? Sure wish I could outline. It would save so much time. But I just can't. I must keep the creative fluid. I know how the book will begin and end and the rest of it comes to me as I write, often in dreams. Also, a critique partner and multi-published novelist started outlining; and, frankly, her latest book seemed predictable to me.

5. Do you write every day? How much? How long? I write something every day. It might be a column for WNC Woman or my second novel, Lace Curtain. However, I could use some discipline in that regard. There's always so much that needs doing. Like visits to the hospital with my therapy dog, Bucky. I wouldn't give that up for a Pulitzer.

6. Do you think reading is as important to writing for an author? Why? Mixed feelings on this point. I guess it's important to read other books, which I do, but the prime requisite is sitting your butt in that chair and writing.

7. What are some of the things you would like to share with budding authors? Do what I didn't do. Study writing in college. Once I started my novel, I had some major catch-up to do (which I did) at the University of North Carolina. There's all that tacky stuff like formatting. You couldn't be a brain surgeon without study. Neither can you become an accomplished writer without study.

8. Do you have any marketing and promotional advice, referrals, tips you would like to share? Frankly, I'm not very good at marketing, although I made my living as President of an Advertising Agency, Charters Marketing. Social media confounds me. I have a website and write blogs, but I never Tweet. Sorry, Jeanie.

9. Do you think conferences are beneficial? If so, what have you learned? Which ones do you frequent? The best conference I have done was with Writers' Digest in NY. I did an agent pitch slam. It was a blast. It's great to mingle with other writers, too. I just did the North Carolina Writers Conference two weeks ago. I learned a lot about poetry there.

10, Where can we find you, your books and when is your next event? You can find my novel on Amazon B&N KOBO GoodReads Shelfari IDreamBooks Scribd

Published by Rogue Phoenix Press To order directly from RPP: Ebook Paperback

Book trailer for Shanty Gold Shanty Gold Endorsements and Reviews

As far as book stores, I've been at Malaprops in Asheville, NC; Mountain Made in Asheville, NC; Highland Books in Brevard, NC; Blue Ridge Books and News in Waynesville, NC; The Book Shelf in Tryon, NC; and The Book House in Albany, NY., Mountain Made and Highland Books in Brevard. I am working to get into a store in Boston, Charleston, and Savannah. Learn more at www.jeannecharters.com Facebook LinkedIn Charters Events Represented by Loiacono Literary Agency, Jeanie Loiacono www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com/authors/jeanne-charters

Interview with David Clarke on Different Strokes for Different Folks Blog Talk Radio

MORE ABOUT THE SPONSORING AGENT

Jeanie Loiacono, President, Loiacono Literary Agency

Saturday, January 2, 2016

Tracey Quintin Admires Memoirists "Incredible LIfe Story"

Title: 6200 Carbon Canyon Road

Author: Terri Lenee Peake

Genre: Biographies & Memoirs, Memoirs

ISBN-10: 1628680970

ISBN-13: 978-1628680973

Reviewer's Rating: 5 star

Where people can purchase the book: http://www.amazon.com/Terri-Lenee-Peake/e/B00IC9B2NU/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1448388737&sr=1-1

Reviewed by Tracey Quintin originally for Goodreads

Terri Lenee Peake wrote this story in hopes to save others seeking the life she wished for.

Very candidly Terri writes of the turbulent life she grew up in and hoped to escape only to find the turbulent life follow her in other ways as she aged.

Terri went through so very much growing up, not having great parental influence to help guide her, leaving her susceptible to prey.

She is totally open as she recalls her life, lifestyle, opinions and choices.

I felt for Terri in reading this. She persevered! Even though her life plan didn't go as she had hoped, she survived through so much. She never said a word in her story of feeling like she wanted pity, rather it is what it is attitude. She's got such strength and sweetness that I was able to see in reading this.

I'm really trying not to give away anything that happens in this story so you'll have to read it to find out! I very highly recommend. Kudos Terri for sharing your incredible life story with us readers!

MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Terri Lenee Peake connections:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teresa.peake.33?fref=ts

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tlpeake

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7837257.Terri_Lenee_Peake

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Terri-Lenee-Peake/e/B00IC9B2NU/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1448388737&sr=1-1

ABOUT THE REVIEWER

Tracey Quintin connections:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LOVEBOOKSWITHROMANCE/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ReadingIsOurPas

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/19886187-tracey-quintin